Because basements are located in the ground, they are prone to collecting more moisture than the rest of your house. This moisture can lead to a host of issues, including growth of mold and mildew, and a general deterioration of the space. Thankfully, there are many simple things you can do to keep your finished basement dry and in tip-top shape. Our team at Basement Finishing Colorado recommends the following 7 ways to keep your finished basement in optimal condition.
1. Install Gutters & Downspouts
Every home needs an effective set-up for collecting rain and melted snow, and diverting it away from the house. Gutters and downspouts are the perfect solution for this. If your home doesn’t currently have gutters and downspouts around the roof and edges of the house, this is something you will need to install. If you already have downspouts and gutters, it is important that you inspect and clean them regularly. Because they help direct the flow of water away from the house, debris build-up can make them ineffective. When your gutter and downspouts are blocked, water can spill over them and right into the foundation of your home.
2. Direct Water Away From Your House
If your landscaping and driveway do not slope away from the house, they could be to blame for water accumulation near your house’s foundation. It is important to make sure the ground slopes away from the house on all sides, diverting water away from the house.
3. Insulate Water Pipes
Cold water pipes are prone to sweating and dripping, which can add moisture to your basement. By insulating your pipes with a simple foam pipe wrap, you can not only prevent condensation from collecting, but you can also prevent winter pipe freezing and heat loss.
4. Make Sure Your Appliances Vent Outside
Many homes have a laundry room located in the basement. It is important to make sure the washer and dryer, and any other basement appliances, vent moist air outside of the house.
5. Surround the Basement with Rocks or Gravel
Using rocks and gravel in your home landscaping not only looks spectacular, but it can also keep your house foundation dry. Rocks and gravel are highly absorbent and dry quickly. Putting them around the exterior of the house is a great way to reduce moisture that might otherwise collect around the foundation.
6. Install Exhaust Fans
If your basement has a bathroom or shower, you will want to install exhaust fans in those areas to reduce humidity and increase ventilation and air circulation. On dry, warm days, open windows to help ventilate the basement area, as well.
7. Use a Dehumidifier
Use a dehumidifier to absorb moisture from your basement. It is important that you choose a dehumidifier that is the appropriate size for your basement, or use multiple dehumidifiers. You can prevent mold by keeping the humidity level in your basement below 50 percent. However, it is important to keep some humidity in the basement. The optimal humidity level for a living space is between 30 and 50 percent humidity.
Contact Us Today!
Our team at Basement Finishing Colorado wants to help you keep your finished basement dry and in great condition for years to come! Give us a call at (303) 697-1702 today or contact us online to discuss options for protecting your basement from moisture, and making it the living space of your dreams!